The Cecil B. DeMille Estate, a historic Beaux-Arts mansion in the exclusive Los Feliz neighborhood of Los Angeles, is once again making headlines, with recent reports indicating that its current owner, actress and humanitarian Angelina Jolie, is preparing to list the iconic property for sale. This development, as of late 2024, signals the beginning of a new chapter for one of Hollywood’s most storied residences, a compound steeped in the glamour of the Golden Age of Cinema and the private lives of its most powerful figures.
Purchased by Jolie in 2017 for a staggering $24.5 million following her high-profile separation from Brad Pitt, the estate served as a sanctuary for her and her six children. Its impending sale has reignited public fascination with the home’s rich history, architectural grandeur, and the private enclave of Laughlin Park it anchors. From its origins in the early 20th century to its meticulous, multi-million-dollar renovation, the DeMille Estate remains a true testament to Tinseltown royalty.
Cecil B. DeMille Estate: Key Biography and Property Profile
The main estate, located at 2000 De Mille Drive, is the centerpiece of the legendary filmmaker's compound. While Cecil B. DeMille himself does not have a "biography" in the traditional sense for the house, the property's profile is a chronicle of Hollywood history.
- Location: Laughlin Park, Los Feliz, Los Angeles, CA 90027.
- Original Architect: Believed to be Bert C. (last name often incomplete in records), though the style is the main feature.
- Architectural Style: Beaux-Arts Mediterranean Revival.
- Year Built: 1913.
- Lot Size: Approximately 2.1 elevated acres.
- Original Owner: Believed to be a wealthy businessman or early Hollywood figure before DeMille.
- Notable Historical Owner: Cecil B. DeMille (acquired in 1916 and owned until his death in 1959).
- Purchase Price (Jolie): $24.5 Million (2017).
- Current Owner: Angelina Jolie.
- Features: 6 bedrooms, 10 bathrooms, a grand library, multiple fountains, a pool house, and a six-year, multi-million-dollar renovation.
- Current Status: Reportedly being prepped for sale.
The Golden Age Grandeur: Architectural Secrets of 2000 De Mille Drive
The Cecil B. DeMille Estate is more than just a large house; it is a meticulously preserved piece of architectural history. Its Beaux-Arts Mediterranean Revival style is a deliberate nod to European classicism, a popular choice among the early Hollywood elite who sought to project an image of timeless wealth and culture.
The structure was originally built in 1913, predating DeMille's ownership by a few years. When Cecil B. DeMille acquired the property in 1916, he began an expansion project that transformed it into a sprawling, self-contained compound, which included a separate structure known as the "Little DeMille House." This approach created a secluded world where the legendary director could work, entertain, and live away from the public eye.
Key architectural and design elements that contribute to the estate’s unique character include:
- The Grand Library: A massive room with floor-to-ceiling bookshelves and original wood paneling, a space that served as both a creative hub for DeMille and a formal reception area.
- Original Details: The six-year, multi-million-dollar renovation completed just before Jolie’s purchase focused on preserving and restoring original details. These include the arched entryways, ornate pillars, and intricate plasterwork, all maintained to the spirit of its original vintage.
- The Pool: The outdoor area features an Old Hollywood-style pool with arched retaining walls, offering sweeping views of the city and the iconic Griffith Observatory. This area alone is a masterclass in classic California landscaping.
- Elevated Acres: Sitting on 2.1 elevated acres, the estate provides a rare sense of privacy and seclusion within the bustling city of Los Angeles, a defining feature of the exclusive Laughlin Park enclave.
Laughlin Park: A Discreet Enclave of Hollywood Royalty
The true value and mystique of the Cecil B. DeMille Estate are inextricably linked to its location within Laughlin Park. This exclusive, gated community in Los Feliz is one of Los Angeles’ most coveted and discreet enclaves, a residential area that has historically attracted the biggest names in film and entertainment.
Laughlin Park’s history as a haven for the Hollywood elite solidifies the DeMille Estate's status as a landmark. The neighborhood’s past residents represent a who's who of cinema history, creating a powerful sense of topical authority for the area. The community was carefully developed to offer privacy, large lots, and stunning views, making it the perfect retreat for stars seeking refuge from the limelight.
Notable figures who have called Laughlin Park home include:
- W.C. Fields
- Charlie Chaplin
- Cary Grant
- Deanna Durbin
- Jack Dempsey
- Lily Tomlin
- Anthony Quinn
- Kristen Stewart
- Natalie Portman
This pedigree means that any new owner of the DeMille Estate is buying not just a home, but a piece of the original Hollywood dream, joining a neighborhood that has quietly sheltered generations of cinematic legends. The estate's address, 2000 De Mille Drive, is itself a tribute to the man who defined epic filmmaking.
Angelina Jolie's Chapter and the Impending Sale
Angelina Jolie’s purchase of the estate in 2017 was a significant event in Los Angeles real estate, marking one of the highest sales in Los Feliz history at the time. Her decision to move into the historic mansion was driven by a desire to remain close to her ex-husband, Brad Pitt, for the sake of her children, as the property is located only a short distance from his own compound.
Jolie's tenure saw the completion of a massive six-year renovation that had been initiated by the previous owners, novelist Richard Grossman and art consultant Lisa Lyons. This extensive work ensured that the historic integrity of the Beaux-Arts structure was preserved while integrating modern amenities necessary for a contemporary family. The estate, with its 6 bedrooms and 10 bathrooms, was perfectly suited to accommodate her large family.
The most current news, however, focuses on the actress preparing to sell the property. While the exact asking price has not been publicly confirmed as of this writing, real estate experts anticipate the listing will command a figure significantly higher than her 2017 purchase price, potentially exceeding $30 million. The combination of its unparalleled history, massive renovation, and celebrity provenance—from Cecil B. DeMille to Angelina Jolie—makes it one of the most compelling luxury listings to hit the Los Angeles market in recent years. The sale will undoubtedly be closely monitored by both Hollywood historians and luxury real estate investors.
The Little DeMille House: A Related Los Feliz Landmark
To fully appreciate the DeMille compound, one must consider the "Little DeMille House." This separate, smaller residence, built in 1922, was once part of the larger DeMille estate, serving as a sanctuary and workplace for the director. The two properties were eventually sold separately after the DeMille family parted with the land in the 1980s.
The Little DeMille House itself is a significant entity, known for its own Old Hollywood elements and its more recent celebrity connection to actress Vanessa Hudgens. This related property in Laughlin Park sold for $8.5 million, a testament to the enduring value and allure of the entire DeMille legacy in Los Feliz. The existence of both the grand Beaux-Arts mansion and the smaller, charming annex underscores the sheer scale of the original DeMille compound and its historical importance in the development of Hollywood's residential landscape.
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